During a hearing this week, a judge in Los Angeles ruled that Dr Conrad Murray's license to practice in California cannot be revoked while he awaits trial, despite several requests from the state's attorney general.

Michael Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine, as well as siblings Tito and La Toya were present for the hearing.

The cardiologist is accused of giving the late King of Pop a lethal dose of a powerful anaesthetic and pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in April.

Dr Murray's lawyers have said that he does not plan to practice in California, but will still work in Texas and Nevada so that he can pay the legal fees of his defence.